Lafayette Engineering technician Robert Layng is sharing his expertise with an even wider audience—as the new podcast host for Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.
Robert Layng, engineering technician in Lafayette’s Engineering Division, works closely with students in the labs helping with hands-on learning and projects. Now, he’s sharing that expertise beyond campus, invited to host a new podcast for Cutting Tool Engineering magazine. This opportunity builds on his role as machine shop technician and a contributor to the publication, and brings added visibility to Lafayette Engineering.
In his role as engineering technician at Lafayette, Rob plays a vital part in the day-to-day operations of labs, supporting students and faculty with his technical expertise and hands-on knowledge. This practical experience has translated well into his articles for Cutting Tool Engineering.
Layng is scheduled to write eight articles for Cutting Tool Engineering’s 2026 online digital edition. His work has generated significant reader engagement, with people reaching out to the magazine with questions and feedback. What sets Layng’s articles apart is their practical, user-friendly approach. They’re not just information and product-related content, but actionable guides that readers can put to use immediately.
The strong response to Rob’s writing caught the attention of the magazine’s editorial team. As Cutting Tool Engineering works to stay relevant in the digital age, they identified podcasting as a natural evolution for their content, and Layng as the ideal host.
Linking education, practice, and people
The new show, The Daily Grind, will be a half-hour video podcast airing live Mondays from 8:00-9:00 a.m., with the first episode scheduled for mid-November. Following the live broadcast, episodes will be available on major podcast streaming services, including Spotify.
Cutting Tool Engineering is providing all production equipment.
The podcast will focus on:
With The Daily Grind, Layng will bring the same accessible, practical perspective that resonated with readers to a new format, creating connections and sharing insights across the engineering community. This national platform not only showcases his experience but also highlights the caliber of professionals in Lafayette’s Engineering Division, inspiring students, and bringing recognition to Lafayette’s program and its integration of theory and practice.
Jenn Rossmann, Jeffers Dean of Engineering, lauded Layng’s contributions to the education of Lafayette students. “I’m so grateful that our students learn to appreciate the expertise of our technical staff educators. Through consultation and partnership, our students both gain technical insight and become better collaborators.”